COUNCIL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE WRITING INC

The core mission of CASW remains unchanged since its founding: to enhance the quantity and quality of science news reaching the public.

CASW's core program activities advance this mission by:
● educating science writers;
● encouraging talented individuals to pursue careers in science writing;
● promoting good science communication; and
● supporting and recognizing independent journalism.

In 2019, the CASW board began work on an initiative to improve the quality and sustainability of science journalism at a time when the field is facing major challenges. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the difficulty of combating misinformation in a polarized society and served as a dramatic reminder of the importance of science journalism in the 21st century.

During strategic planning discussions in 2014, the CASW board noted trends and challenges that must be addressed to achieve our goals in the current environment.

Key trends include:
● the collapse of the traditional publishing economy;
● changes in science;
● reductions in government funding for science;
● dilution in the quality of science news reaching the public;
● personal branding, self-marketing and business entrepreneurship as major aspects of the writer's life;
● experimentation with new models;
● globalization of science, news, culture and the economy;
● loss of the journalist's filtering role; and
● rise of online multimedia.

In response to these trends and challenges, the strategic plan commits CASW to emphasizing five themes:
● education of science writers and communicators;
● mentoring and support of student and early-career science writers;
● resources for science communication;
● enhancing diversity in science writing; and
● partnerships.

The new Science Journalism Initiative conceived in 2019 is designed to create partnerships to launch a new suite of programs to:
● build the skill, ethical caliber, and diversity of science journalists;
● address the economic sustainability of the field;
● propagate techniques for rigorous science reporting to all journalists whose beats involve working with scientific information; and
● find new tools and alliances for confronting public skepticism, building trust and respect for journalism, and reaching underserved audiences.

As an independent 501(c)(3) organization rather than a professional association,
CASW has the flexibility to work with donors and partners to pursue ideals rather
than serve member interests.

CASW has several reputational assets:
● New Horizons in Science is recognized as a program of high educational value for
science writers.
● CASW has a highly prestigious Board.
● CASW has a good financial track record built through conservative budgeting and prudent management of early gifts.
● CASW has good relationships with a small but committed group of long-time funding partners.
● Though CASW's staff is very small, it is competent and stable.
● CASW has excellent fellowship and awards programs for encouraging excellence in science writing and relationships with many practitioners in the field through these programs.

The National Science Board honored CASW with a 2003 Public Service Award "for its achievement in bringing together scientists and science writers for the purpose of improving the quality of science news reaching the public." Each year's New Horizons in Science program is the signature accomplishment of the Council.

A 2016 program evaluation documented an impressive impact for the continuing graduate fellowships program, which is now enhanced by an enterprise grant competition for recent graduates. And CASW has launched a website, CASW Showcase, to curate and critique award-winning science writing. A demonstration of CASW's growing capacity was a partnership to produce the 10th World Conference of Science Journalists in San Francisco in 2017. CASW's conference work has been done in partnership with the National Association of Science Writers. In 2020, CASW forged a partnership with the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism and the Society of Environmental Journalists to create a new fellowship program designed to break down barriers to entry into specialized journalism by providing early-career training, networking and mentoring in science, health, and environmental journalism while allowing reporters to stay on the job.

CASW is a well-managed nonprofit with a good reputation, sound financial track record, strong and engaged board, and important mission. Strong annual giving, program support, and long-term underwriting for awards and fellowships will ensure that CASW continues to advance its mission. The Council's new Science Journalism Initiative will build new partnerships and programs to boost CASW's impact and reach for our second 60 years.